Meet Aisha Rae | Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aisha Rae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aisha, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Working as a celebrity stylist in the fashion industry, I had the opportunity to introduce emerging brands to their first magazine cover or red carpet moment. This experience gave me valuable insight into branding, marketing, and securing celebrity editorial placements. With BL8K, I leverage this expertise to help brands achieve global exposure.

What should our readers know about your business?
BL8K was just a thought in 2013 while I was stuck in a corporate job I dreaded. I knew I wanted to create a platform that uplifted artists, supported emerging brands, and provided insight into the fashion industry. As my personal styling business grew, I launched my own showroom in 2017, working with brands like The C Edition, Knorts Denim Knitwear, and Tata LA.

When the pandemic hit, the industry shifted—there were no more red carpets or celebrity placements—so I pivoted into creative production. With years of on-set experience, I became a go-to person in both New York and London, contributing as an editor for multiple publications. I started co-producing projects with Schön!, PopSugar, and British Vogue, and had the incredible opportunity to work with TDE, playing a role in the rise of the artist Doechii.

Stepping into full production was intimidating at first, but I realized that my network and the talented team I had built over the years gave me a unique advantage. Having personal connections and being trusted as a creative allowed me to execute high-quality content. From there, BL8K expanded into tech, production companies, and beauty brands, working on PR and marketing strategies for global exposure. This growth has allowed me to scale my team and take on even bigger projects.

Owning a business is incredibly challenging—you often feel like you’re failing, and many friends won’t truly support your vision. But despite the struggles, seeing BL8K grow from just an idea to a company that receives emails from people who admire our work and want to collaborate is still surreal. The journey has been tough, but the impact makes it all worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love matcha, so the first stop is definitely Tea Master—they have the absolute best! After that, we’re heading to The Row, where we’ll visit Gladys Tamez to pick up the perfect cowboy hat. While we’re there, we’ll pop into Arcade Vintage to hunt for some unique finds.

Since I’m a huge art lover, I’ll probably drag you to a Jeffrey Deitch exhibit—it’s always an inspiring experience. To wrap up the day, we’ll grab a nightcap at Houston’s in Pasadena—not only is the vibe perfect, but it also brings back memories of my childhood.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom is my greatest inspiration, now more than ever. She continues to breathe life into me and trusts in my journey of growth and evolution.

Website: https://www.bl8k.com

Instagram: bl8k.creative

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bl8k

Image Credits
@dovecameron for @schonmagazine wearing @collinimilano

direction + photography. @benjoarwas
fashion. @aisharaestyle
talent. @dovecameron
hair. @claytonhawkins using @randco
make up. @melissa.hernandez
dop + photography assistant @joshworldpeace
video editing. @westudio.film
music. Chris Upton
production. @bl8k.creative
fashion assistants. @bunnababy + @a.latreasethestylist
retouch. @modestudiosuk
location. @rosewolffstudio
words. @braaaden

“High Profile” featuring muse @mounafadiga for @schonmagazine

photo @stillvika
style @aisharaestyle
mua @robscheppy
hair @ariannachayleneblean @marykendallll
style assist @bighairbigcity @bunnababy
prod @bl8k.creative

Ella Balinska
Photography: @bymaxhemphill
Fashion: @aisharaestyle
Talent: @ellabalinska
Casting: @alabamablonde @striketheblonde_casting
Hair: @designermarcela.o using @colorwowhair
Makeup: @robscheppy @theonly.agency using @diorbeauty
Production + creative direction: @bl8k.creative
Fashion assistant: @bunnababy + @hollyn_hilton
Location: @thompsonhotelhollywood, @barlisla + @kateen_la
Words: @mehdibensalah

Doechii persuasive
Photographer: @stillvika
Hair: @geelwalton
MUA: @saishabeecham
Nails: @rasheedaameera @tiararkelly
Stylist: @aisharaestyle
Assistant Stylist: @a.latreasethestylist @bunnababy @serenawentzz
Head of Production: @cortezgwest
Creative Agency: @bl8k.creative

Kehlani for The Advocate

Shot:@maxwellpoth
Hair: @iamdavontae
Makeup: @patrickta
Stylist: @Aisharaestyle
Creative Agency: @bl8k.creative
Photo Assistant: @owen_devalk
Assistant Stylists: Angel Cross & Tashe Pollard

Dove Cameron
direction + photography. @benjoarwas
fashion. @aisharaestyle
talent. @dovecameron
hair. @claytonhawkins using @randco
make up. @melissa.hernandez
dop + photography assistant @joshworldpeace
video editing. @westudio.film
music. Chris Upton
production. @bl8k.creative
fashion assistants. @bunnababy + @a.latreasethestylist
retouch. @modestudiosuk
location. @rosewolffstudio
words. @braaaden